3 Days Guilin Group Tour: Guilin Yangshuo for Karst Landscape

Nihao! Welcome to Guilin, China’s most picturesque paradise! Upon your arrival at Guilin Liangjiang International Airport or the train station, our local driver will meet and greet you at the exit and escort you to your carefully selected hotel in downtown Guilin.

After check-in, you’ll have free time to relax and explore at your own pace. We recommend:

• A leisurely walk along Binjiang Road, with scenic views of the Li River
• Tasting Guilin rice noodlesa local specialty and must-try comfort food

Enjoy the peaceful charm of this riverside city as you settle in.

Guilin Arrival Ideas:

Guilin is situated in South China, well linking by air and high speed rail. Guilin Liangjiang International Airport is 30km west of the Guilin downtown area and travelers can take flights to Guilin from Hong Kong (1.5 hours), Chengdu (1.5 hours), Shanghai (3 hours), Beijing (3 hours), Xian (2 hours), Chongqing (1.5 hours). Additionally, travelers can take the high speed train to Guilin from Guangzhou (2.5 hours), Shenzhen (3.5 hours), Chongqing (5 hours), Guiyang (2-3 hours), Kunming 4.5 hours), etc.

Painting-like Karst Landscape in Guilin

Picturesque Li River

Attractions

explore on your own

Transportation

vehicle

Dining

None

Accommodation

Guilin

Morning: Jingjiang Prince Palace, East-West Alley

This morning, enjoy a scenic tour of Guilin city, starting with the Jingjiang Prince Palace - the best-preserved and longest-standing royal residence from the Ming Dynasty, with a history of over 600 years. It’s also the original source of the famous phrase “Guilin’s scenery is the finest under heaven.”

Walk along the central axis and explore the Chengyun Gate and Chengyun Hall, learning about the daily life of Ming princes and the history of the royal family. Visit the Imperial Examination Culture Museum to discover China’s ancient civil service system. The palace once served as Guangxi’s imperial examination hall (gongyuan), producing numerous top scholars and officials.

Next, a short drive brings you to East-West Alley, a beautifully preserved historic district. With its Ming- and Qing-style architecture, blue-tiled roofs, and cobblestone lanes, the area feels like a journey back in time. Stroll leisurely through the charming streets, browse boutique shops, savor local snacks, and capture beautiful photos. A favorite among both tourists and locals, it’s one of Guilin’s most popular “must-visit” cultural spots.

Afternoon: Elephant Trunk Hill, Reed Flute Cave

In this afternoon, your group will head to Elephant Trunk Hill, the iconic symbol of Guilin. Located where the Li River meets the Peach Blossom River, this natural limestone formation resembles a giant elephant drinking from the water. Formed over millions of years by water erosion, it’s the inspiration behind the famous saying “Guilin’s scenery is the finest under heaven.” Walk to Water-Moon Cave, a semicircular opening between the trunk and body of the “elephant.” Standing 12 meters high, the cave features engraved poems from the Tang and Song dynasties - a poetic blend of nature and culture.

Next, visit the Reed Flute Cave, known as the “Palace of Nature’s Art.” Inside, discover a breathtaking world of stalactites, stalagmites, stone pillars, and flowstone, sculpted by nature over millennia. Colorful LED lights illuminate formations like “Lion Peak at Dawn,” “The Primitive Forest,” “Dragon and Elephant Peak,” and “Mountain of Fruits and Flowers.”

Don’t miss the Crystal Palace, where still water reflects the glowing rock walls, creating a dreamlike, otherworldly scene. Experience the Water Curtain Movie - a short film projected behind a flowing water screen, showcasing the geological evolution of the cave. It’s a magical finale to an unforgettable journey.

After the tour, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel in Guilin.

Elephant Trunk Hill, a famous landmark in Guilin

Reed Flute Cave, Magical Underground in Guilin

Panoramic View of Jingjiang Prince’s City in Guilin

Have a Walk at East West Alley, Guilin

Attractions

4 sites

Transportation

vehicle

Dining

Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation

Guilin

“East or West, Guilin Landscape is the Best.” After breakfast, set off to explore one of the most stunning natural landscapes in China - the Li River. Renowned by National Geographic as one of the “World’s Top 10 Watery Wonders”, the Li River offers a journey through a living Chinese scroll painting.

Drive about one hour from your hotel to the pier and board your boat for a 4.5-hour scenic cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo. Along the 84-kilometer route, marvel at endless views of winding rivers, emerald karst peaks, grazing water buffalo, farmers tending rice fields, and quiet villages nestled at the foot of dramatic limestone hills.

Lunch Upgrade: Asia Odyssey Travel has thoughtfully prepared a customized Western-style lunch for you. Enjoy freshly made meals served onboard - packed with care that morning for your comfort and convenience.

Upon arrival in Yangshuo, your driver will meet you at the dock and transfer you to your hotel for a short rest. Then, it’s time to explore Yangshuo’s rural paradise - your way. Choose the experience that suits your style:

• Option 1: Scenic drive with walking stops(driving plus walking)
• Option 2: Bike ride through the countryside
• Option 3: Scooter adventure(additional cost applies)

Let the breathtaking scenery refresh your eyes and soul. Along the way, you might see locals going about their day - farmers in the fields, children playing by the river, or a water buffalo grazing peacefully in a sunlit meadow. Quaint stone houses with grey slate roofs dot the landscape, their rustic charm blending perfectly with the lush greenery.

Later, take a leisurely stroll along West Street, Yangshuo’s most vibrant hub. Lined with restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops, it’s always alive with travelers and locals alike. A unique blend of Chinese tradition and Western culture, West Street is the perfect place to enjoy your evening. Sip coffee, savor local Guilin rice noodles, or simply soak in the lively atmosphere. Whether you're looking for a quiet moment or a night of fun, West Street has it all.

Stay overnight in Yangshuo.

Li River Cruise

AOT Exclusive Li River Cruise Lunch

Cycling through Yangshuo Countryside

West Street, Yangshuo

Attractions

3 sites

Transportation

cruise, vehicle, or bike

Dining

Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation

Yangshuo

After breakfast, say goodbye to Yangshuo as you transfer back to Guilin for your departure. You’ll be comfortably escorted to the airport or train station for your onward journey.

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your China group tour. We’re honored to have been part of your adventure and remain dedicated to serving you. We hope to welcome you back on your next journey to China or Asia. Safe travels!

Our guests in Yangshuo during rapeseed bloom

Longji Rice Terrace - Dazhai

Attractions

/

Transportation

vehicle

Dining

Breakfast

Accommodation

/